Harry Truman spoke with reporters the day after he learned of Franklin Roosevelt's death. He told them, "Boys, if you ever pray, pray for me now." President Roosevelt had shared few details on major issues with his Vice President. With the country still at war, the new president was immediately confronted with a multitude of difficult decisions.
Presidential China Collection
Once in the White House, President Truman had to get used to being separated from his family. Bess and Margaret spent many months away from Washington in Independence, where Margaret attended school half of the year. Truman didn't like being alone, writing in his diary, "I'm always so lonesome when the family leaves. I have no one to raise a fuss over my neckties and my haircuts, my shoes and my clothes generally."